Jude Bellingham may choose Real Madrid over Liverpool on Champions League evidence, says Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has questioned if Liverpool can realistically lure England midfielder Jude Bellingham to Anfield this summer given the club’s stuttering season. Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga and at the Qatar World Cup with England.

Ad As a result, the 19-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from Germany, with Real Madrid and Liverpool the destinations thought most likely. TransfersReal Madrid target Haaland and Bellingham, PSG want £50m Maguire — Paper Round09/03/2023 AT 23:17 However, with the Reds struggling to reach the heights of last season — when they challenged for an unprecedented quadruple until the final knockings of the season — BT Sport expert Rio Ferdinand wonders if Bellingham would now see Anfield as the next step in his fledgling career.

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League table, six points adrift of a top-four place and were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage following a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night. To compound matters, their defence of the FA and EFL Cups fell flat.

“I just think, if he watches that tonight, he’s sitting there thinking: ‘If Real Madrid are in for me and Liverpool, there’s only one place I can go’ – and they [Liverpool] don’t finish in the Champions League as well maybe,” former Manchester United defender Ferdinand said. 'Totally wrong' for Liverpool to 'tear everything up' says Owen, Ferdinand backs Van Dijk 'You go to hell' — Ceferin 'lost it a bit' at unnamed English club over Super League Napoli 3-0 Eintracht Frankfurt: Victor Osimhen double sees Serie A side through in Champions League “As a player – nothing